ANDRE Villas-Boas has hailed the approach of ex Chelsea reserve team boss Brendan Rogers at newly-promoted Swansea City ahead of tomorrow's clash between the sides at Stamford Bridge.

The Swans have struggled for goals, but should be buoyed by their first top-flight win last weekend and Villas-Boas says he has nothing but praise for the way they play.

“Swansea is a team that plays fantastic football,” said the Chelsea boss.

“I think when you try to implement a philosophy like Brendan is trying to do, there is a dignity in the path that he chooses - because it's a difficult path for a team who need points.

“He doesn't leave his philosophy to second place. His philosophy is the most important thing, so he [prioritises] good football and attacking football and this is something that has immense value to me.

“The nobleness of the principles that you choose to attain your objectives in a smaller club like Swansea, it's something for me that is even more prestigious and hopefully that will happen on Saturday.”

The complimentary Portuguese added: “I don't know if it was Jose that put Brendan in the position at Chelsea, but if it was, it proved a good choice because Chelsea were happy with what he did at the club and he went on to start his career.

“But I don't think that will give him an advantage having been here. Just because I know Porto from the inside, doesn't mean that I can take privilege when I play them.”

Blues fans can expect a very different line-up from the one which turned out against Fulham in the Carling Cup, with some of the players tired after extra-time and playing 70 minutes with 10 men.

But Petr Cech has recovered from a bang on the head he received in that game and should start. Daniel Sturridge will sit this one out as he recovers from a leg injury, but Didier Drogba comes back into the reckoning, having been back on the bench in midweek after a short lay-off after his head injury.